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Childcare support expansion: Parents of children over 9 months can now get 15 hours free
If you have kids under the age of five, childcare should be firmly factored into your cost of living in London budget. These essential expenses can quickly mount up in the UK capital where they are significantly higher than the rest of the country – up to 33%!
There’s good news: you might be eligible for financial support. Former UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a huge expansion of free childcare in the 2023 Spring Budget. The second phase of this pledge launched on 1 September 2024. What does this mean for eligible working parents? Those with a child from nine months old (eligible from the term after the child turns nine months – terms start on 1 January, 1 April and 1 September) will receive up to 15 hours per week of free government-funded childcare.
According to the government: “This is the second step in our plan to grow the economy and give every child the chance to succeed through accessible, affordable and quality childcare.”
What you’ll learn in this quick guide
- If you’re eligible for free childcare if your child is nine months to two years old
- How to apply
- FAQs about government-funded childcare support
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible for free childcare if you live in England, with the amount depending on several factors.
Your child’s age
If your child is nine months to two years old, you can get 15 hours per week of free childcare.
Your employment status
You should be eligible if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:
- In work or starting a new job
- On sick leave or annual leave
- On shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
Your income
Over the next three months, you and your partner must each expect to earn at least the equivalent of the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average. For someone aged 21 or over that equates to £2,380 before tax (equivalent to £183 per week).
You must have an adjusted net income of less than £100,000 annually.
Your immigration status
You and your partner must have a National Insurance number and the person who applies must also have at least one of the following:
- British or Irish citizenship
- Settled or pre-settled status or you have applied and you’re waiting for a decision
- Permission to access public funds
How to apply
You’ll need to apply via the government website. To do this you’ll need the following information to hand:
- National Insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if self-employed)
- The date you started or are due to start work
- Details of any government support or benefits you receive
- Your child’s UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one)
Having successfully applied, you’ll receive a code to give to your childcare provider, which needs to be renewed every three months to reconfirm eligibility.
Consult with Simply London
We will provide personalised guidance on the childcare funding options you’re eligible for and how to apply – so you can afford the best support possible for your children. To request a quote contact us today!
FAQ’s
- When can my child start receiving free childcare? Your child can start receiving free childcare from the term after they turn nine months old. For example: If your child turns nine months between 1 January and 31 March, they can start receiving it from 1 April.
- How are the 15 hours allocated? The 15 hours are typically offered over 38 weeks per year (during school terms), totalling 570 hours annually. Some providers may allow you to “stretch” these hours over more weeks by using fewer hours per week.
- Can I combine this with other childcare entitlements? When your child turns three, you can combine the universal 15 hours for all three- and four-year-olds with the 15 hours for working parents, totalling 30 hours per week.
Sources
Article published 12th November 2024
